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World's top-ranked female boxer shifting to MMA

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The world's No. 1-rated female boxer is leaving the sport and will focus on a mixed martial arts career. Holly Holm announced Tuesday that she will dedicate herself to an MMA career

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The world's No. 1-rated female boxer is leaving the sport and will focus on a mixed martial arts career.

Holly Holm announced Tuesday that she will dedicate herself to an MMA career after her last scheduled boxing match May 11 against Mary McGee.

The 31-year-old Albuquerque boxer is focusing on MMA just as the sport is beginning to embrace female fighters. In February, Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche made history by fighting in UFC's first women's bout.

"I sleep good at night knowing that I've challenged myself over my career rather than just take what's supposed to be easy," Holm said at a news conference. ". I feel like my passion's just going to MMA."

Holm is an 18-time, three-division world champion in boxing and has a 32-2-3 boxing record. She has a 21-1-1 record in world championship fights, as well as a 14-1-1 mark against world champions.

The popular boxer trains at Albuquerque's Jackson Mixed Martial Arts, a gym that has sent a number of fighters to UFC.

"We are going forward with Holly's MMA career and there's nobody better than (promoter) Lenny Fresquez to take us to that next level," Holm's manager/trainer Mike Winkeljohn added. "I found it hard to bounce back and forth between MMA and boxing. Holly is focused. Expect the best Holly ever. Her future is bright."